Here we are for another Windows Wednesday! Today we will be looking at the middle portion of Sanctuary Window 2—The Teacher. The central section of each nave window depicts a scene from the life of Christ which exemplifies the theme of the window. In this image, we see Jesus speaking to a crowd, delivering the Sermon on the Mount. Above Jesus, the censor burning incense is a symbol of prayers rising to God, as in several Chapel windows. “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.” Psalm 141:2 We can find details of the Sermon on the Mount in the gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 6, Jesus delivers some key points about the proper way to pray, including giving the example we now refer to as the Lord’s Prayer. As in the rest of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes humility and piety over loud praise and self-aggrandizement. Those who seek glory and recognition may receive it, but that will be the extent of their reward. A greater reward awaits in heaven for those who quietly and faithfully follow God. Click or scroll over the image below to see the artist’s design for the window.
[virtual_slide_box id=”15″]“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:5–8
